Big brother is watching

Young children who are about to attend the birth of a sibling must be thoroughly prepared for the sights and sounds of labour. It is helpful if the child can get to know the midwife who will be with his mother during her labour. A young child needs a support person during the labour who can answer his questions and go with him if he wishes to leave the birthing room. A child who has seen his sibling being born may be very protective of her. Being present at a birth may help children to come to terms with their own sexuality later in life. There is no evidence of short or long-term psychological damage to children who have witnessed the birth of a sibling. Women who choose to have their children present during their labour have generally thought out their reasons very carefully beforehand.